EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — The two-time defending Northeast Conference champion Sacred Heart Pioneers were picked to finish third in the 2015 NEC preseason coaches’ poll, released on Thursday at the conference’s inaugural Social Media Day at MetLife Stadium.

The Pioneers garnered two first-place votes, with Bryant topping the poll with four first-place votes. Duquesne was picked second and had the last first-place vote.

Six Pioneers were selected to the 2015 Preseason All-NEC football team. Sacred Heart’s passing connection of quarterback RJ Noel and wide receiver Tyler Dube was selected on offense, as well as lineman Nick Bartoli. Noel led the NEC with 2,477 passing yards and 23 touchdowns last season. Dube had a conference-high 79 receptions and 16 touchdowns, as the duo both appeared on the All-NEC first team in 2014.

Three Pioneers appear on the Preseason All-NEC team on defense. Linebackers James Rentz and Connor Candito were selected as well as defensive lineman Connor Caveney. Rentz led Sacred Heart in 2014 with 12.5 sacks and 19 tackles for loss to earn First Team All-NEC honors. Earlier this month, Rentz was named to the STATS FCS Preseason All-America Third Team. Both Candito and Caveney were All-NEC Second Team picks last season. Candito tied for the team lead in interceptions last season while also recording 58 tackles. Caveney had 9.5 tackles for loss and three sacks a year ago.

Sacred Heart has reached the NCAA FCS playoffs in each of the last two seasons. The Pioneers finished the 2014 season nationally-ranked for the first time in program history. Sacred Heart opens the 2015 season on September 5 against Saint Anselm at 6 p.m. at Campus Field.